As generic drug prices decline, Indian drugmakers look to specialty and biologic products

As generic prices continue to slide, specialty drugs and biologics are the flavor of the season in India. Several drugmakers are following a differentiated market approach, with some players getting into manufacturing and distribution of complex range of products, reports The Pharma Letter’s India correspondent.

Specialty drugs are used to treat complex, chronic conditions such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Experts say the focus on specialty medicines has been accelerated by measures taken by the US Food and Drug Administration to increase competition in generic medicines.

"Price erosion due to increased competition in the US has hastened Indian drug firms push towards specialty medicines," said an executive at Sun Pharmaceuticals. Though the number of Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) filings continues to remain strong for large Indian players, he added most have begun transitioning the US business to specialty and complex generics where competition is relatively lower.